How to identify the code on imported fruit stamps

(Baonghean.vn) - Imported fruits often have a sticker, the code on the sticker is called PLU code,Help customers choose the right food that they prefer to use.

At the fruit counter of supermarkets or stores specializing in imported foods, each apple, pear, orange, etc. is labeled, but very few people know the necessary information behind those numbers and characters. The code on the label is called the PLU code, short for Price Look-up. Knowing the PLU code will help customers choose the foods they prioritize.

PLU codes are published and controlled by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS). This is a global organization that distributes codes for all fruit products circulating around the world.

These codes have been used since 1990, making inspection and management at supermarkets more accurate and faster. PLU codes are determined based on many factors such as type, characteristics of the fruit, growing method and size.

Currently, there are more than 1,400 types of fruit that have been assigned PLU codes worldwide.

The stamp has four digits starting with the number 3.

If the label has four digits, starting with the number 3, it is a symbol of fruit treated with ionizing radiation technology. This food irradiation technology uses ionizing radiation energy to treat food, improve food hygiene and safety and extend food preservation time.

Radiation rays have the effect of damaging the genetic substrate (DNA molecules) and inactivating the reproductive ability of pathogenic and harmful microorganisms, including vegetative and spore forms, parasitic cysts and viruses.

This radiation dose depends on the laws of each country, for example, the US follows FDA regulations, Vietnam follows Ministry of Health regulations...

Food irradiation technology requires irradiation facilities and food processing facilities to comply with certain requirements on radiation dose, product preservation specifications, and storage, transportation, and processing conditions after irradiation.

The stamp has four digits starting with the number 4.

If the stamp has four digits, starting with the number 4, it is the symbol of fruit grown using conventional technology, meaning that herbicides, pesticides, growth stimulants, inorganic fertilizers, etc. are used in the correct dosage.

If you buy this fruit you need toWash thoroughly before eating and absolutely do not eat the peel, or use the peel to prepare dishes (orange, tangerine peel...).

The stamp has five digits starting with the number 8.

With a 5-digit label, if it starts with the number 8, it is a genetically modified food (GM).

People create desired plant varieties by genetic modification, removing or adding genes. The impact of genetically modified foods on humans is still a controversial topic. Defenders argue that genetically modified foods are richer in protein than traditional foods, while others criticize GM foods for increasing the risk of allergies, antibiotic resistance, and toxicity to the body...

Genetically modified agricultural products are currently controversial and facing widespread opposition, especially in the European Union and several other Asian countries.

Besides, the regulations on labeling are not completely transparent, so there is still a gap between theory and practice.

The stamp has five digits starting with the number 9.

Organic fruit is grown in the traditional way without using any pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and is not genetically modified.

Growers use natural fertilizers from animal manure, compost from rotting plants, and control pests with natural enemies or other biological methods.

These are natural products that are encouraged to be selected and used. It is noteworthy that currently in the world, the list of countries that have regulations and fully implement regulations on organic agriculture is increasing.

Currently, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain Organic Certification to comply with strict standards set by countries and international trade organizations.

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Ngoc Anh

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